10 Tips for Pest Proofing Your Home for Winter

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As winter takes root, you will notice the reduction of flying insects, but this does mean a lack of other creepy pests. Bees are associated with summer, and you might not deal with them during winter; however, pests like mice and spiders could be crawling their way to your warm home to seek shelter. The most common pests in this season are winged carpenter ants, mice, cluster flies, moths and fruit flies, spiders, and firewood pests.

How to Pest Proof Your Home for the Cold Season

You don ‘t want to wake up one day and get surprised by spiders or other pests in your home. That is why we have compiled this list to help you keep pests away from your home.

1. Get Rid of Hiding Areas

One of the best ways to get rid of winter pests is to eliminate all the areas they can use to hide. If you have tall grass near the house, mow or keep it trimmed. Stones and rocks make excellent ground cover close to your home’s foundation. Avoid using wood chips that attract pests. If you have firewood, place it around 20 feet away from the house and elevate it from the ground. This is because rats and mice hide in firewood.

2. Keep the Surroundings Clean

All pests love to invade trash bins that have rotting food, and they even multiply. To avoid this problem, ensure that your trash bags are emptied regularly at least once a week. One way to do pest control around your home is to keep the dining area, couches, and food storage areas free of crumbs.

3. Tree Branches

Any tree branches extending to your home might be a hideout for pests; for instance, rodents, insects, and squirrels.  Pests can access your house through branches. They enter the attic and even build nests in your home.

4. Moisture

Winter pests such as termites and roaches love moisture. Ensure that gutters are dry and clean and at least 4ft. away from the foundation. Drain birdbaths and decorative ponds to keep squirrels, possums, and mice at bay.

5. Seal Entry Points

The easiest tip for pest control is sealing all entry points, such as cracks and holes. Other areas pests access your home through are holes in the roof, and spots where pipes pass via walls. Seal these points using wire mesh. Protect the windows from larger pests by fixing hardware cloth above them.

6. Declutter

Rats and mice love dark corners and clutter; for instance, the basement, garage, and attic where light doesn’t reach. Tidy up these areas and get rid of old newspaper stacks and other unnecessary stuff. Pests are attracted to cardboard boxes and piles of clothes. To avoid this, keep clothes in sealed bags.

7. Store Food in Containers

One thing you will learn about pest control is that the kitchen is the most attractive place for pests. This is obvious because even pests need nourishment. Keeping your kitchen clean is a simple way to keep pests away from your home. Keep food in sealed airtight containers, which will not only keep pests away but keep you from diseases.

8. Plants

You need to water your houseplants; otherwise, they’ll die. However, this generous act can cause pools of stagnant water in the pots. This can be a conducive breeding ground for winter pests, such as mosquitos. This can be dangerous for you and your family, so avoid overwatering your houseplants. Another convenient way to get rid of these insects is to use an ultrasonic insect repellent.

9. Nests and Webs

Sometimes, removing nests and webs can keep pests from returning to your home. To get rid of spiders ensure that they have nothing to eat. This means that you should get rid of dead bugs centipedes, millipedes, and other insects. Consider vacuuming regularly, especially in dark corners such as behind the couch, and beneath work areas. Get rid of webs and fill in gaps on the wall.

10. Check Your Shoes

Did you know that insects love hiding in warm spaces like your boots? Avoid wearing your shoes and getting a surprise spider bite by keeping your shoes off the ground. It is not only spiders that hide in your shoes, but bedbugs will also hide anywhere from the bed, clothes, and sneakers.

If you want to get rid of bugs, put them in the washing machine, but make sure that they are not made of leather or suede. Switch the device to a hot setting for at least an hour. This kills all bedbugs in your shoes, even the hidden ones.

Conclusion

The transition to winter brings about many things to deal with; for instance, flu, home damage from snow and wind as well as creepy pests. Although you might not see some pests, it doesn’t mean that they might not be in your home. Following these tips will keep insects at bay. Also, remember to check the attic and dark corners where bugs and rodents hide. Making small changes such as vacuuming regularly, keeping your food in containers, and emptying your trash at least once a week are useful.